After more than two decades of transformative leadership, Andy Hamblett will retire as CEO of Boothbay Region YMCA (BRYMCA) at the end of June. Hamblett, who stepped into the job in 2002, has guided the organization through unprecedented growth that has expanded its footprint and its role as a vital community hub.

In the last 43 years, BRYMCA has had only two CEOs, Mike Harrison and Hamblett and become a national model for community-centered service. "It has been the honor of my life to lead this organization," Hamblett said. He is most proud of how the community and Y  built success together through shared values, determination and inclusion.

Hamblett’s advice for his successor: “Listen first. The BRYMCA belongs to the community, not to any one leader. The strongest decisions come from understanding the opportunities, challenges, and changing needs of our community. Listening to the people we serve and understanding what matters most to them is very important.”

Hamblett’s approach focuses on people, not just buildings and budgets. “The buildings are important, but they are really just facilities and tools that help us serve people. What I'm most proud of is that every major accomplishment at the BRYMCA was the result of a community coming together around a shared vision. Nothing we accomplished happened because of one person. It happened because volunteers gave their time, donors invested their resources, staff went above and beyond, and community partners believed in what we were trying to do. The process of bringing people together around a common purpose is what creates lasting impact,” Hamblett wrote in response to questions.

His community-first philosophy defined his leadership style. Former BRYMCA President Bruce Harris wrote, “I think what has impressed me most about Andy is his devotion to his family and kids. He never missed an opportunity to support them, no matter how long a drive. He is devoted to this community and deserves huge credit for the transformation of the BRYMCA campus, the incredible staff he hired, the Montessori program, and the development of Y-Arts into the amazing program it has become during his tenure. He will be missed.”

Under Hamblett’s guidance, the organization launched several inclusive initiatives including: Arts for All – performing arts for people with disabilities, the LIVESTRONG program – for cancer survivors, a specialized Parkinson’s program, Summer Meals Program – connecting nutrition with students outside school operations, Membership for All, ensuring no community member is turned away due to financial barriers, and he doubled the reach of summer camp programming at Camp Knickerbocker. BRYMCA serves over 6,000 members and welcomes over 300 volunteers to its core operations annually. "Andy is one of the kindest and most empathetic people I know. Even when he's had to make tough decisions, he treats people with care and concern,” wrote BRYMCA Board President Charlie Britton.

In addition to his commitment to people and community, Hamblett’s tenure has been an era of substantial financial growth. He led two capital campaigns that fundamentally reshaped the Y’s facilities. He first oversaw the "It’s Our Y" campaign, which raised $9.5 million for a new Aquatic Center and Wellness Center renovations. More recently, he led the "A Greater Impact" campaign, which raised over $15.8 million. These funds allowed for the construction of the Marylouise Tandy Cowan Fieldhouse, the Childhood Enrichment Center, andupgrades to Camp Knickerbocker, including the Waterfront Pavilion and McEvoy Lodge.

Beyond the facilities, Hamblett has focused on the long-term financial health of the organization, more than doubling the Y’s endowment from $2.5 million to over $7 million, and building a network of over 60 partnerships with area schools, healthcare providers and other organizations. Britton credited these successes to Hamblett’s extraordinary ability to build trust, cultivate donor relationships and rally community support around a shared vision. “Years from now, the buildings will still stand, but what matters most to me are the relationships that were formed, the trust that was built, and the culture of collaboration that made those projects possible. That's what endures. That's what strengthens a community, “ wrote Hamblett.

Hamblett also reflected on leading through crisis, including the COVID-19 pandemic. “Whether it was emergency childcare, food distribution, wellness outreach, support for seniors, or simply checking in on people who felt isolated, we focused on staying connected and being responsive. What I learned during this time is that community is built long before a crisis arrives. The partnerships, trust, and relationships we had invested in for years allowed us to respond quickly when people needed support. The pandemic tested all of us, but it also demonstrated what can happen when a community works together toward a common purpose.”

In his retirement, Hamblett looks forward to spending time with family and traveling with wife Meagan. “Throughout my Y career, they've supported me through long days, evening meetings, and countless community events. I'm grateful for that support and look forward to having more time together – skiing, boating, hiking, and new adventures.”

Hamblett also looks forward to staying involved in new ways. “I’ve always believed in service, and retirement doesn't change that. It simply creates opportunities to contribute differently and support organizations that make a difference. Most of all, I'm looking forward to having the flexibility to enjoy life's next chapter while watching the YMCA continue to thrive under new leadership.”